Making the Most of a Therapy Consultation
A key part of finding a great therapist is the therapy consultation. This is, usually, a 15-20 minute phone call with a therapist to review your needs and the therapist’s approach, gather information fees and scheduling, and make plans for moving forward. I recommend all clients participate in a consultation, even if it’s a direct referral (from a trusted source, so we could expect we’d be a good fit). Consultations are one of the best ways to make the therapy-search efficient, for both short term connecting and long-term success.
How to ask for a consultation if one isn’t readily listed on the therapist’s website or bio
This can be intimidating! But it’s well within your right to ask. You can choose to leave a brief voicemail or fill out the therapist’s contact form (or even better, send an email directly).
Here’s a script you can use:
“Hi, I’m a prospective client and am searching for a therapist to help with (insert 1-2 word summary of main area of focus, “depression” “coping with recent changes”). I found your information through (insert referral source). It’s important to me that I find the right fit in a therapist, do you have availability this week for a brief phone consultation to see if we might be a match? Please let me know the best way to move forward. Thank you!”
What to expect during a consultation
Every therapist facilitates consultations differently, but most cover these general basics.
You can expect to be asked about:
What brought you to reach out, at this time in particular, for counseling
What is the biggest area, or the most important concern, you want to work on in counseling
Any specific interests or approaches in counseling that you require/are interested in
What your availability is, and your preferences for in-person or virtual sessions
Your therapist is likely to tell you about:
Their fees and if their in-network (and with which plans) or if they are out-of-network
Their approach and perspective on working on your particular areas of concern
General information about their office, policies, etc.
Ways to prepare a for consultation
Before you hop on the phone, it’s helpful to take time to check in with yourself, what’s brought you to reach out, and what you need. Jotting down a few notes is a good idea. These are the areas I always ask clients about during our initial connection:
Areas of focus: In general, what do you want to work on and what do you need support with (i.e. "Looking for some help around family dynamics, self-worth, and managing my anxiety").
Availability: Days of the week and times of the day that you prefer (i.e. Mondays & Wednesdays at lunch time and after 5pm).
Budget: What’s your budget for counseling? Take this into account when looking at bio’s or reaching out to make sure you find a sustainable fit.
Any specific approaches: If you know you loathe traditional talk therapy or are interested in learning more about mindfulness- share that! That really helps us find the right fit.
A therapy consultation is one step towards finding a great therapist. They can save time, money, and emotional energy – well worth it!